[Paddlewise] Ocean Kayak scupper holes

Dave (and anyone else),

A fellow here who runs a shop and is very good at repairs (fixes up Texas
Water Safari boats and all) has patched my Dad's scrambler by putting a
kevlar patch over the scupper.  In fact, my Dad is up to about 5 patches
on a very old boat which is on its second owner.  The first owner was
kind of heavy and really did some gouging.  In drought conditions you
can't help but hit rocks around here, and Dad was taking the boat out
every week.

I would be surprised you are having problems.   There are so many of
these boats on Texas rivers and they get trashed from hitting rocks.
The rocks push in the plastic, but the "tube" for the scupper does
not deform, hence eventually you will wear a hole.  Just running on
sand or in the sea, I would think that wouldn't wear as much.

Anyway, if you would like to write this fellow to learn about the
kelvar patching method I can get his address.  It doesn't seem to
cost too much, and the worst thing about it is that you lose
scuppers, which really isn't that big of a deal.  You have a wet
butt.  So what?! :-)  Another important part of the repair is that
you trim the scupper tube, because it is that hard bit of plastic
sticking down which got you in trouble in the first place.  Now
if you are suffering cracks from the boat just plain bending, I
would be upset.  Ocean Kayak should respond.  These boats don't
seem to bend much, even in the Texas sun. 

Sit-on-tops really have their place.   You have to look at the
person's geography and what they want to boat before you condemn
them (not that you were doing that, but others were).   What is
important is that people are comfortable and having fun.  Some
people don't care about speed, or effort per foot, or whatever.
And, that sort of boat can handle a lake, a fishing or scuba trip, 
a class I-II river for about $400 (less used).  It's not all bad. :-)

jennifer

the contact info I have is:
TG Canoe Livery
Duane TeGrotenhuis
t.g.canoe.livery_at_centuryinter.net
(I've never sent them email, and I think they are going on a trip
soon.  I hope they don't mind me posting their email address!)
located in San Marcos, Texas ... a great town, with a great river
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